Young Adults from Divorced and Intact Families: Possible Selves Relating to Future Family Life

ABSTRACT

This study explores differences in possible selves relating to future family life reported by young adults from divorced and intact families. Twenty-four in depth interviews were carried out with university postgraduate students, aged 25–35. Individuals from divorced families reported more negative possible selves compared to their counterparts from intact families. Possible selves reported only by divorcees' offspring concerned themselves being divorced in the future, being cautious in relationships and being overprotective with their children. They also described an ideal but unrealistic possible self about future happy family life. Divorcees' female offspring reported more negative possible selves than their counterparts from intact families and males from divorced families. The findings are discussed in relation to the theoretical concept of possible selves.